Honest describes telling the truth or communicating sincerely.

The idea

Say honest with someone and honest about something. Before a noun use an honest answer: the h is silent.

Examples

  • Please give me an honest answer.
  • She was honest about her mistake.
  • He is honest with his friends.
  • To be honest, I prefer the first plan.
  • We need an honest discussion about the cost.
  • An honest person can still make a mistake.

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Watch out

An honest person can be mistaken; sincerity does not guarantee that every statement is correct.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the preposition for the person. Speak truthfully to me: please be honest ___ me. (with / about)

    Show answer or example answer

    with

    With introduces the person addressed.

  2. Choose the article for the vowel sound. She gave ___ honest answer. (an / a)

    Show answer or example answer

    an

    The silent h means honest begins with a vowel sound, so use an.

  3. Decide whether sincerity guarantees correctness. Can someone give an honest answer and still be mistaken? (yes / no)

    Show answer or example answer

    yes

    Honesty concerns sincerity and does not guarantee correctness.

Use it today

Describe a situation where someone gives an honest answer about a mistake.